Some Observations about the Critical Path Method

Some Observations about the Critical Path Method 

There must always be at least one critical path. However, there could be two or more critical path segments in parallel through all or some of the network. Any delay in a critical activity automatically delays project completion the same amount unless some compensatory action is taken. The critical path is the longest path in terms of time. Time contingencies can be added to each activity or to the overall project. 

My initial use of CPM was on the first watershed planning project 1 had ever managed. The CPM, or more specifically, creating the network forced me to think through the project before starting the project. My first use of the CPM was without the benefit of software—very tedious. Parallel CP segments occurred during the first use which initially caused me to think I had erred. 

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